During a recent presentation at work, a presenter shared an overview of her role, highlighting how her previous experience uniquely positioned her for her current role.
The words, “uniquely positioned” struck me and the first story that it reminded me of was the story of Esther in the Bible.
Esther was an orphan and Jew, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai and through a series of events, was given the position of queen of Susa. There was an opposer of the Jews and he convinced the king to put an edict (law) for a mass genocide of the Jews (Esther 3:5-11). When this edict came out, Mordecai sent Esther a message to appeal to the king to have mercy on her people. As no one in the palace knew Esther was a Jew, Esther’s response of reluctance came from the initial state of fear that anyone who approaches the king without being called could be killed unless the king extends his gold scepter to spare the person’s life (Esther 4:10-11). However, Mordecai challenged Esther with some of the most powerful words,
13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”- Esther 4:13-14
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” 17 So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. – Esther 4:15-17
Mordecai’s challenge, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this”? made me reflect and ask, how has God uniquely positioned me in my family, workplace, neighborhood to reflect the hope of Christ and reflect Him in how I live.
Although God chose Esther and positioned her as queen to confront the injustice against her people, she still had the choice to remain silent. However, she didn’t remain silent. This decision didn’t come lightly or through her own strength but rather after fasting and coming before God (v.16).
Prayer: God, I pray for wisdom to follow the plans you have for my life. I pray to seek you and seek strength in the places you have called me. I believe you have positioned me to bring hope or meet a need in people’s lives.
Graceful Strides 